Bay of Fires Pack-Free Walk

One of the things that surprises guests most is just how much they love staying at our waterfront accommodation at Ansons Bay. It isn’t a luxury resort, nor is it trying to be. Instead, it feels like a welcoming beach house where everyone can relax after a day on the trail. The house sits right on the water with beautiful views across the bay and has plenty of spaces to unwind. Whether it’s soaking in the outdoor hot tub, enjoying a drink beside the fireplace, or sitting on the deck watching pelicans glide across the water, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the tranquillity of the Bay of Fires. The house is perfectly set up for all kinds of weather with indoor and outdoor dining areas and cosy fireplaces. Most bedrooms are configured as twin share, with comfortable beds, fresh linen, doonas and towels provided. There are two shared bathrooms, two separate toilets, hairdryers, Wi-Fi throughout the property and fresh drinking water available. Mobile reception can be a little patchy, but if you wander down towards the water’s edge, you can usually pick up a signal. One thing worth mentioning is that the house relies on rainwater tanks, so we encourage guests to enjoy shorter showers to help conserve water. The good news is there’s a wonderful outdoor hot tub waiting for you after your walk, so if you’re in the mood for a long, relaxing soak, that’s the perfect place to unwind. What guests often remember most, however, isn’t the house itself, it’s the atmosphere. From pelicans gliding across the water and native birds singing in the trees to the occasional wombat wandering through the garden, it truly feels like your own private waterfront retreat.

The Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most remote coastal regions, which is exactly why it has remained so pristine. On the first morning we travel approximately two and a half hours from Launceston in our private vehicle. Along the way we’ll stop in the charming seaside town of Bridport, where you’ll have time to stretch your legs, use the facilities and grab a coffee if you’d like. Once we arrive, you’ll find we spend very little time in the vehicle during the walking days. Our accommodation has been specifically chosen because of its fantastic location being central to both our walks on day 1 and day 2. After finishing our walk on Day One it’s only around fifteen minutes back to the house, and on Day Two we only travel about fifteen minutes to the start of the walk before walking all the way back to our accommodation. Day Three includes a forty-five-minute drive to Binalong Bay for our final coastal walk before we head inland to the spectacular St Columba Falls. Although it’s only a short walk, it’s one of those places that simply has to be experienced. We then finish the tour with a walk of spectacular Columba Falls and then to the nearby iconic Pub in the Paddock before returning to Launceston. Our accommodation is centrally located offering the perfect place to stay, compared with many other companies Bay of Fires tours, which have long travel times between the walks and their accommodation each day. 

I would describe the Bay of Fires as a moderate walk that’s achievable for anyone with an average to good level of fitness. Over the three days you’ll cover around 30.5 kilometres, with 7 kilometres on Day One, 16.5 kilometres on Day Two and another 7 kilometres on Day Three. The majority of the walk follows the spectacular white sandy beaches that have made the Bay of Fires famous, interspersed with sections across granite headlands and rocky coastal platforms. Walking on firm sand is generally straightforward; however, softer sand can be more demanding, and some sections may be influenced by the tides, which can make the walking a little more challenging at times.  One of my favourite spots is Eddystone Point Lighthouse. If you’re comfortable with a little rock hopping, we’ll take you out to one of the best viewpoints where you can look back towards the lighthouse. The contrast between the bright orange granite, crystal-clear blue rock pools and the white lighthouse is simply breathtaking and one of the most photographed locations on the entire walk.

We always want you to enjoy your holiday at your own pace, which is why we offer flexible walking options whenever possible. Because Day One follows a remote stretch of coastline, there aren’t any access points for our vehicle once we’ve started walking, so everyone completes the 7-kilometre walk together. After that, you have options. If you decide that the 16.5-kilometre walk on Day Two is more than you’d like, you can walk the first section through to Eddystone Point Lighthouse before returning to the accommodation with our second guide. That gives you the perfect excuse to relax in the hot tub, enjoy the waterfront setting, or simply curl up with a good book while the rest of the group completes the walk. On Day Three you can also choose a shorter walking option or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery while travelling with the group.

One of the things we’re passionate about is showcasing Tasmania through its food. Wherever possible, we source fresh local produce from Tasmanian suppliers so that every meal reflects the incredible quality the state is famous for. Depending on the season, you’ll enjoy delicious local ingredients such as Marion Bay chicken, Scottsdale pork, fresh Trevalla, Tasmanian cheeses and sweet local berries. It’s all prepared to create hearty, satisfying meals after a day on the trail. Of course, no visit to Tasmania would be complete without sampling some of its outstanding wines. Beer and wine are included with dinner each evening, featuring local favourites such as Ninth Island wines and Boag’s beer. Back at the house you’ll also find tea and coffee available whenever you’d like a cuppa, and each morning you can top up your trail mix bag before heading out for the day’s adventure.

Our adventure begins at the foyer of the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston. Before meeting you, our guides have already been busy collecting the fresh produce, seafood and supplies that you’ll enjoy throughout the tour. Once everything is packed into our vehicle and luggage trailer, we’ll welcome everyone, introduce ourselves and give you a short briefing before setting off. It’s also a lovely opportunity to meet your fellow walkers before the adventure begins. By the time we’ve loaded the luggage and headed out of town, you’ll already feel like you’re travelling with a group of friends. Due to the logistics of preparing the tour and our departure schedule, this is our only pick-up location. If you’re staying elsewhere in Launceston, simply make your way to the Hotel Grand Chancellor before the designated meeting time.

Don’t worry, we’ll send you a detailed packing list well before your departure, so you’ll know exactly what to bring. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to be prepared for Tasmania’s ever-changing weather. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, a cool breeze and a passing shower all in the same day, so dressing in layers is always the best approach. I also recommend checking the weather forecast a few days before you arrive so you can make any last-minute adjustments. If the forecast is warm, definitely pack your swimmers. The water along the Bay of Fires is incredibly inviting, and there are plenty of opportunities to cool off with a swim or simply relax on one of the pristine beaches while taking in one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.